Smart Phones

Nokia N810 released

2008-11-23T19:04:00.000-08:00

For anyone who wants their phone to be all things to all men, Nokia's flagship N95 ought to have been the answer to their dreams. It had a five megapixel digital camera, fast internet, POP3 and IMAP email support, plus decent music and video-playing capabilities and a built-in GPS. But we were concerned with just too many things for it to win us over completely. Build quality, for one, felt too cheap for a phone so expensive, battery life was short and it was pretty chunky, too. More..

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

2008-11-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

External links..

It seems that Sony Ericsson has some manufacturing problems with its flagship Xperia X1 smartphone. Apparently, the Swedish-Japanese handset maker isn’t shipping as many unit as originally planned due a lack of certain materials used on the phone.

The markets that were hit hardest include Sweden, Germany and the UK — the three countries where Xperia was initially launched. Sony Ericsson’s Nordic PR manager, Gustaf Brusewitz, said that more phones are expected to go on sale in Sweden in the next couple of days followed by more shipments to the U.K. and Germany during the next couple of weeks. However, he declined to comment on which materials are causing the problems.

Nonetheless, Sony Ericsson plans to start selling its Windows Mobile smartphone in other European and Asian markets, as well as in the U.S. during the month of November…

thnk..

Motorola RAZR2

2008-11-08T06:14:00.000-08:00

I’m very happy with this phone, but indeed I’m not the kind of user that looks for “multimedia” in a phone, but I want something classy and the RAZR 2 is! The design is superb, it’s a bit heavier than a V3i, but lighter than a V3x. Camera 2.0 megapixels and it comes with 512 or 2 gigs of internal memory (not expandable).

The “new” feature of the RAZR 2 is the mp3 (and aac) music player and the “force feedback” external touch screen! When you go to media player mode and close the phone, you’ll have three buttons (pause/play, forward and back) when you touch the screen to press one of them, the phone returns a vibration. It’s for me more a gadget than a great feature.

The main menu is fully customizable, the phone is able to open huge photos (1680×1050 px), high bitrate mp3’s up to 320 kbps, but has a lack in video playback.

Nokia Aeon..

2008-11-08T05:57:00.000-08:00

Nokia's research and development team have kicked it up a gear with an attractive "aeon" concept phone showing up in the R&D section of the company's website. The most prominent design feature of aeon is a touchscreen that stretches over the full surface area of the phone, similar to BenQ-Siemens's Black box concept phone we saw recently. Currently mobile technology isn't quite up to realizing this fantasy, but we'll sleep better tonight knowing that at least one of the cellphone industry's biggest names shares the same dream as we do -- BenQ's dream didn't count, unfortunately..... More..

Nokia N810 released

2008-11-08T05:11:00.000-08:00

The Nokia N810 is powered by maemo Linux based OS2008, updatable also on the Nokia N800, the previous internet tablet generation hardware. The Nokia N810 features a highly customizable user interface and contains various novelties such as a Mozilla based browser with Ajax and Adobe flash 9, Bluetooth headset support as well as enhanced video and audio features. The refreshed Video Gizmo, Skype and Rhapsody highlight some most popular downloads available while Boingo Wireless, Earthlink and The Cloud enable Wi-Fi connectivity, across thousands of different locations globally.
“The Nokia N810 packs the power of a traditional computer into a pocket-sized format. Its open standard technology accelerates the convergence of multiple functionalities and services into a single device”, said Ari Virtanen, Vice President, Convergence Products, Multimedia, Nokia. “Our new Nokia N810 offers users a true Web 2.0 experience in a compact, stylish, yet affordable package - it connects people to what matters to them.”
You may feel lost without it, but with the Nokia N810, you’ll never lose your way. The Nokia N810 has an integrated GPS receiver which allows you to pinpoint your position and find a wide variety of points-of-interests using the pre-loaded maps. Upgrade to Wayfinder’s voice-guided navigation for turn-by-turn directions and explore the world on foot or in the car.
Whether you are at home, in the park or in a coffee shop, with the Nokia N810 you will never be far away. With the ability to check emails, read the latest gossip online or IM to your friends, share your moods on your favorite social sites; call via Skype, or get closer by the Gizmo video chat - with the integrated VGA camera - you’ll never be far away from those you want to keep in contact with.
Nokia today introduced the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet, signifying a new phase in portable internet communication. You have ability to connect this pocket-sized device to the nearest Wi-Fi hotspot or over your Bluetooth mobile phone. The Nokia N810 allows you to make internet calls; check your Google Mail or Facebook Account; watch the latest videos on YouTube or update your blog using the device’s slide-out keyboard along with its stunning touch screen. Its built-in maps and satellite navigation helps you to find your way. It is expected to start shipping mid November with an estimated retail price of $479 (excluding local taxes).

Nokia N98

2008-11-08T05:05:00.001-08:00

Apple will be wishing Nokia doesn’t officially take this French concept design into production. It runs on Symbian S70 3rd edition and upgrades on everything the N95 has got right now: 7.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics and 5x optical zoom (this is real physical lens zooming), integrated GPS, TNT (French digital TV) receiver, 3D graphics accelerator, WiFi (b,g,n) and HSDPA (wireless broadband). The screen is a 3.5-inch 540 x 480 touchscreen. It records videos at 720 � 576-pixel resolution and 30fps. The design is just slightly derivative of iPhone, and we don’t have a back view for a glimpse on how the 7.2 MP camera with 5X optical zoom fits into the sleek sable-black frame. But, of course, the designer is only 17 years old and may not be too aware of Nokia’s practicality as a manufacturer of high-end products. Consider for a moment their decision to encase a 700-dollar N95 in an all plastic box?

Sony Ericsson W595

2008-11-06T16:03:00.000-08:00

The Sony Ericsson W595 is a Walkman series 3.5G slider phone with a 3.2 megapixel digital camera, stereo Bluetooth and an FM radio.

As you might guess from the 500 series model number, the W595 is a midrange phone which makes the appearance of HSDPA high-speed 3.5G data a welcome addition. On the other hand, this is possibly one of the most basic 3.2 megapixel cameras that we have seen for a long time - the Sony Ericsson W595 lacks autofocus or a flash, but it does support multishot photos and picture blogging.

In line with the new W902, the W595's media player supports shake control, Sony Ericsson's "SenseMe" tempo and mood based playlists and track identification. There is also a "share jack" which allows two people to listen to music at the same time.
It's not a bad looking device, and the 2.2" QVGA display should be suitable for most users. Of course, the W595 supports Memory Stick Micro cards (up to 2GB) which will be essential to use it as a music player.

Underneath, this is a quad band GSM phone with UMTS 2100 and HSDPA high-speed data. There is also a W595a version for the Americas and a W595c version for China without UMTS/HSDPA support.

The W595 weighs 104 grams and measures 100 x 47 x 14mm. Talktime on 3G is 4.5 hours, on GSM it is 9 hours. Standby time is 15 to 16 days.

Sony Ericsson say that the W595 will be available during Q4 2008 in Active Blue, Cosmopolitan White, Jungle Grey, Ruby Black and Lava Black colour combinations, depending on region.

Samsung U700

2008-11-06T10:28:00.000-08:00

Singapore, June 19th, 2007 - Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a leading provider of mobile phones and telecom systems, today launched the highly anticipated Ultra Edition II in Southeast Asia. In particular, the Ultra Edition 12.1 (U700), the slimmest HSDPA slider phone, will be available in the market from July 2007, adding to Samsung’s growing suite of stylish 3G mobile phones that are available to customers in Southeast Asia.

Building on the success of Samsung’s Ultra Edition range launched in July 2006, the Samsung Ultra Edition II embodies the best of advanced technology, revolutionary mobile designs and must-have business and consumer multimedia functions with four of the slimmest, most powerful and best looking handsets in each form factor. The Ultra Edition II range consists of two stylish and functional sliders - the Ultra Edition 10.9 (U600) and the Ultra Edition 12.1 (U700), a metallic clamshell - the Ultra Edition 9.6 (U300), and a candy bar handset - the Ultra Edition 5.9 (U100). Each design offers advanced features such as a 3-megapixel camera and camcorder, high-speed internet connectivity, as well as extensive multimedia and audio capabilities.

Samsung Smart F520. If F700

2008-11-06T09:27:00.000-08:00

Samsung Ultra Smart F520. If F700 is toosmart for you

As we said last week, some of Samsung Ultra Smart F700 Multimedia Smartphone features, like 7.2 Mbps HSDPA connectivity was probably overkill for todays networks. Why pay for huge data speed capability on the phone when there are no networks supporting these speeds.

Well, Samsung seems to agree and in addition to a show-off F700 has produced a simpler touchscreen multimedia phone version - Samsung Ultra Smart F520.

Samsung F520 has kept all the cool UI features like “drag and drop” touchscreen functionality and full HTML browsing andÂ added even bigger 3″ screen as well as innovative dual slider keypad for messaging, which easily switches between QWERTY and conventional key texting by automatically switching between horizontal and vertical screens.

Samsung Ultra Smart also has EDGE and 3.6 Mbps HSDPA connectivity, works on 900/1800/1900 MHz + 2.1GHz GSM/UMTS networks and comes equipped with 3 megapixel camera, microSD memory slot in a 104.8 x 53.7 x 17.4 mm body.

Samsung F700 Vodafone

2008-11-06T09:16:00.000-08:00

Samsung iPhone killer prepped for Vodafone

Samsung's vaunted F700 touchscreen phone will likely go head-to-head with the iPhone during its European launch, according to an announcement by the company. Now called the F700V Croix based on the cross-like shape of its interface, the phone will be headed to Vodafone and offer the pan-European carrier an opportunity to compete with Apple's device. The completed version runs on a slightly larger, 3.2-inch touchscreen and still includes 3G access using HSDPA, albeit with a slower theoretical 3.6Mbps peak download rate. Its front and rear cameras will also remain for video calling and capture. The Croix should play AAC and MP3 songs as well as H.264, MPEG-4, and Real videos. Vodafone's version also promises an improved keyboard over the original as well as a subtler look; users will have their pick of black-, gold-, and silver-effect borders for the device, the provider says. Costs will vary from country to country, though in most areas the premium nature of Samsung's model will likely prevent it from shipping for free with most service plans, as with some European smartphones.

Samsung Ultra Smart F700

2008-11-06T09:08:00.000-08:00

Samsung Ultra Smart F700

Seoul, February 8th, 2007: Samsung today announced a new addition to its Ultra portfolio with the introduction of Ultra Smart F700. This revolutionary mobile phone will be showcased at 3GSM World Congress, the largest telecommunications event, next week. The F700 features unrivaled design and brings a superior range of multimedia experiences to consumers.

The Ultra Smart is a part of Samsung’s Ultra portfolio which boasts a full touch screen as well as QWERTY key pad. It reflects the recent trend in telecommunications industry of touch screen user interface and, for users who are not yet familiar with a touch-screen-only user interface, it also implements a QWERTY key pad and VibeTonz technology which allows them to feel the buttons accompanied by responsive vibrations. A “Drag and drop” method of touch screen was adopted for easier menu navigation along with music play list control for an expanded multimedia experience. Volume, play lists, brightness of screens as well as other menu control can be controlled utilizing the touch screen.

As speed is becoming crucial for data communications, Samsung has included the latest trends in mobile to the Ultra Smart F700. The Ultra Smart reflects the latest speed of 7.2 Mbps under the High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) network. Once the 7.2 Mbps HSDPA network completely deployed, F700 users can download an mp3 song (about 4MB each) in 4.4 seconds. A full HTML browser along with the QWERTY key pad enables easy access to the internet for e-mail and data services.

Using the new F700, business and creative professionals are able to view content on a stunning 2.78" color display. The device features first class entertainment with a top-of-the-line 5 mega-pixel camera with auto focus and Bluetooth. With 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, it makes it easier to watch videos, listen to songs, share high-quality photos, or catch up on email on the move.

“The introduction of our Ultra Smart F700 reflects the needs of today’s consumers by including features such as touch screen, enhanced connectivity to mobile internet, and access to an array of multimedia content,” said Geesung Choi, President of Samsung’s Telecommunications Network Business. “The Ultra Smart F700 is a good example of how mobile phone will evolve in the future. Samsung will focus on bringing products that reflect and pursue our position as a premium leader”

Samsung Omnia

2008-11-06T08:47:00.000-08:00

Samsung Omnia

The Samsung Omnia (SGH-i900) is everything you could wish for in a phone. Building on the nearly flawless Samsung Instinct, the Omnia adds features and capabilities that make it the premiere phone on the market.

The Samsung Omnia is a full touchscreen that sports Windows Mobile Professional 6.1. The folks at Samsung listened closely to the market needs: in addition to their enjoyable TouchWiz UI, the Omnia offers an optical mouse to allow for precision clicking… a tremendous addition. With such a slim and small device, it can be difficult to click on specific links and areas - the optical mouse will reduce this burden, giving you multiple navigating options.

So what can the Samsung Omnia do that makes it so great? A better question would be what CAN’T it do.

With Windows Mobile, the Samsung Omnia is packed with the great Microsoft features you love and enjoy including PowerPoint, Excel and Word for Mobile. The business folks will especially love the PowerPoint since the Omnia also has a video-out port that will allow you to show presentations directly on projectors!

Speaking of video, the Omnia is loaded with multimedia features galore. A 5MP camera with a ton of options and features and a video camera will more than please the photo friendly folks looking for a stellar all-around phone.

Perhaps most amazing is that everything the Omnia offers fits into such a sleek, slim device. You’ve only gotten a TASTE of what the Samsung Omnia offers, for a full run down, make sure to visit our features page. Specs can be found - you guessed it - on the specs page and we’ve also got pictures, reviews, videos and the Omnia forum!